Ford says Dana's frames were to blame for a 2011 recall of more than 425,000 Windstar minivans. Ford recalled the vans in cold-weather states after it found that road salt caused them to corrode and break.

Dana has denied responsibility for the problem.

Ford filed the lawsuit late last week seeking reimbursement from Dana. Ford didn't say how much it spent to recall and repair the minivans.

Ford said Tuesday that it continues to buy parts from Dana in spite of the lawsuit.